The build-up to this year’s United Rugby Championship has been beset by off-field chaos.

The Welsh Rugby Union’s consultation has been running throughout September, while the four regions prepare for what could be one of the last seasons in their existence.

With financial issues hampering the transfer dealings of each of the regions, the emphasis on bringing through young talent is heightened.

With that in mind, here are eight young stars who are ready to go to the next level this season, including the likes of Scarlets’ Archie Hughes, and Ospreys’ James Fender.

Harry Beddall (Dragons RFC)

Despite being the region to have struggled the most on the pitch in recent years, the Dragons have made some exciting signings this summer with none more interesting than Harry Beddall.

The Wales U20s captain caught the eye of the wider Welsh rugby watching public during his side’s heroic victory over England in the 2025 U20s Six Nations, with Beddall leading from the front.

The flanker was the only player to make more than 100 tackles in the tournament as looks a perfect player to slot into a new-look Dragons back row next to fellow new addition Thomas Young and club stalwart Aaron Wainwright.

Rhys Barratt (Cardiff Rugby)

It is rare to see a prop player regularly at such a young age. Speaking recently to Sportin Wales, Wales international Nicky Smith said that he did not feel like he was at his peak as a player until he reached his 30s.

If there is one player who could break that mould, it’s Rhys Barratt. Winner of Cardiff’s breakthrough player of the season award last year, Barratt is a mobile prop, perfect for Matt Sherratt’s all-court game.

Having trained with Wales during this year’s Six Nations, it is clear that he is held in high esteem by the international set-up and is set for a big season at the Arms Park.

Archie Hughes (Scarlets)

Archie Hughes is a classic Welsh scrum-half.

An understudy to the legendary Gareth Davies for much of the past two seasons at Parc Y Scarlets, the 2025/26 season may be the campaign that Hughes stamps his authority on a starting birth for Scarlets.

After Davies was struck down with an injury following a late league stage match against Emirates Lions, Hughes took on the starting job in those crucial final weeks.

In the pressure of season-defining games, he played with a calm head and steady hands, proving he belonged. With Davies not getting any younger, Hughes is ready to fill those boots.

Morgan Morse (Ospreys)

It feels like Morgan Morse has been a lock for every single one of these lists for the past couple of years.

The rampaging number eight is a joy to watch with ball in hand and has levelled up his defensive game in recent months.

With the departures of a number of Ospreys forwards – not least the legendary Justin Tipuric who is now leading the defence – this season will be a defining one for Morse as he looks to cement himself not only in the Ospreys team, but also as a key part of Steve Tandy’s Wales rebuild.

Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons RFC)

Another Dragons youngster who made his name in that England victory at the Cardiff Arms Park, Harry Ress-Weldon’s flying try and thunderous tackle late in the game immediately catapulted him into the spotlight.

Having signed a new long-term deal at Dragons, Rees-Weldon is ready to play regularly. His impact on his Dragons debut was immediate: scoring the opening try in a Welsh derby against Ospreys.

A man of irresistible moments, Rees-Weldon’s highlight’s package this season will be one to seek out.

Ioan Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby)

Another Cardiff prop on this list, Wales U20s front row Ioan Emanuel has joined the Blue and Blacks on loan from Bath Rugby.

In rejoining his first professional club, Ioan is reunited with his brother Steffan, although the two are very different players. Centre Steffan was close to making this list, but Ioan just pips him.

“Anyone who has watched Wales Under-20s this season will see the vast potential he has,” Cardiff boss Sherratt exclaimed upon his signing.

Look out for the Emanuels this season!

Joe Hawkins (Scarlets)

Another who feels like he has been around for a long time, it is easy to forget that Joe Hawkins is still only 23. His scintillating debut against Australia in 2022 marked him out as a high-potential playmaking centre, but his spell at Exeter Chiefs did not go as planned.

With the abundance of centres in the Scarlets squad, there is an outside chance that Hawkins is deployed as a flyhalf this season, which could unlock his undoubted potential.

Wherever he plays, having such a talented back in Wales is a massive boost for Scarlets.

James Fender (Ospreys)

You could almost hear the sigh of relief from the Ospreys faithful when the news came through that James Fender’s proposed move to Pro D2 side Grenoble had fallen through.

A man-mountain perfectly suited to the more traditional rugby setting of the Brewery Field, Fender, with the departures of Tristin Davies and Adam Beard, will be a senior player at Ospreys this season.

Do not be surprised to see him in a red shirt this autumn or spring!

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